The R-P School Board has approved a Comprehensive Educational Analysis and Facility Engineering Analysis. Provided by architectural firm ATS&R and ICS Consulting, the analysis will provide a thorough picture of the district’s needs.

“In my opinion, this is something that should have been done prior to the referendum,” noted board member Taylor Peterson. “We didn’t know what’s truly wrong. We didn’t have it all together.”

A preliminary walkthrough was completed prior to the referendum, but according to Superintendent Chuck Ehler it didn’t hit at specifics. “That’s one thing we learned from the vote,” echoed Ehler, “We need specifics. We need to analyze everything from A to Z.”

The in-depth analyses come with a price tag of $19,500 for the district, which will be funded by designated funds from the New School Initiative. “It will be eye opening to get the information in everyone’s hands so a good decision can be made in the direction you need to take your school district in,” added Ehler.

The board approved the analysis to be done in a 4 to 1 vote with Peterson opposed.

In other news, long-time R-P teacher Craig Colbenson has tendered his resignation, following the completion of the school year. Colbenson, the Minnesota Association of Soil and Water Conservation District 2009 Teacher of the Year and Minnesota FFA Hall of Fame member, has been instrumental at the district, particularly with Ag and FFA. He has taught in the public school system for more than 37 years.

Art teacher Cherlynne Krueger has also resigned at the end of the 2012-2013 school year, primarily due to her recent engagement.

“It’s sad to see those members who have made such an impact leave,” noted board member Daniel Munson. The sentiment was echoed by staff and board members.

The next regularly scheduled school board meeting is Monday, March 18, at 5:30pm, in the high school biology room. The public is encouraged to attend.

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